Apprenticeships boost immigrant integration in Switzerland

Swiss justice minister Beat Jans has praised the role of pre-apprenticeship INVOL programme for helping integrate immigrants into society. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox INVOL prepares refugees and immigrants for basic vocational training over the course of a year. The Confederation believes that pre-apprenticeships make a valuable contribution to the integration and training of skilled workers in Switzerland. The authorities base their assessment on an evaluation commissioned by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). According to the evaluation, 83% of participants successfully complete the INVOL and 70% start a basic vocational training programme immediately afterwards. Some 86% graduated within three years, according to SEM. Early departures are mainly due to a lack of aptitude for the profession, a lack of language skills, health problems or family difficulties. The programme not only helps to strengthen professional skills, but also promotes ...